May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. That means New Jerseyans will see the PSAs reminding everyone to “look twice, save a life,” and “share the road.”
But, even with all the billboards and yard signs, too many catastrophic collisions occur between cars and motorcycles.
Inattentional blindness
Almost everyone has, at one time, been so focused on a particular task that they don’t see or hear anyone or anything going on around them. Inattentional blindness is much the same way. Most brains can’t absorb everything at once, so they prioritize what they consider important. Drivers scan the road for other cars and trucks, particularly when preparing to make a left turn. However, motorcycles and smaller vehicles tend to get overlooked, even when they are right in front of the driver.
Even if the motorist sees the motorcycle, they often misjudge its speed and distance. The driver thinks they have enough time to pull out, setting the scene for a potential accident.
Environmental factors can add to the problem. Seeing a motorcycle during dusk, rain or low lighting becomes even harder. Additionally, distracted driving is a serious problem in today’s modern society. Texting, talking, fiddling with the radio or climate control and conversing with other passengers pull a driver’s attention away from the road. In those crucial few seconds, a motorcycle can easily go unnoticed.
Motorcyclists can do their part to be visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Using daytime running lights can also make you more noticeable. Stay out of a driver’s blind spots and use both turn and hand signals to communicate your intentions. All of these things can help, but they can’t completely eliminate the visibility issue. Therefore, it’s up to drivers to make a concerted effort to be on the lookout for motorcyclists.
Without the protection of a vehicle’s steel frame, a motorcyclist is more likely to suffer a catastrophic injury or even fatality in an accident. Medical expenses can quickly add up. During this time, it’s crucial to receive compensation to replace lost wages and assist with the expenses.